The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is expanding its recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, originally announced on October 9th, due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall now includes approximately 11,765,285 pounds of products distributed nationwide. The affected items were produced by BrucePac from May 31st to October 8th, 2024, and bear establishment […]
Environment & Health
Posted inColumns
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about medical debt?
So there are now a number of programs and great organizations that buy up and retire medical debt. Which is kind of a cool idea. It turns out that 20 million Americans, or 15 percent of American households, have some medical debt over $250, that Americans owe at least $220 billion to health care clinicians and organizations. […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Department of Health expands meat recall over listeria concerns
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is expanding its recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential Listeria contamination. This expansion is part of a larger recall issued by BrucePac, which affects nearly 10 million pounds of products nationwide. The recalled items were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, […]
Posted inNews
Tiverton Library to host Medicare enrollment presentation
A free presentation on navigating Medicare enrollment will be held at the Tiverton Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. Christopher Ireland, a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Counselor at Child & Family of RI, will lead the session titled “Medicare Enrollment 101.” The program will take place at the library, located […]
Posted inNews
BrucePac recalls ready-to-eat meat and poultry products
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers not to consume nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products recalled by BrucePac. The recall is due to potential Listeria contamination. The recalled products were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, and were distributed nationwide to various establishments, including […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island Blood Center issues urgent call for blood donors
As a second potentially devastating hurricane is poised to ravage the southern U.S., Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is issuing an urgent appeal for blood donations. Donors are needed to ensure the availability of blood supplies for hospitals in weather-impacted areas, as well as to meet ongoing needs in the local region. Hurricane Milton is […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport County resident among new West Nile Virus cases in Rhode Island
A Newport County resident in their 60s is one of two new probable human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) announced by Rhode Island health officials. The other case involves a Providence County resident in their 50s. These new cases bring the state’s total WNV count to six for the season, with three confirmed and […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Red and blue R.I. voters take different views on green energy in polling on offshore wind
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentOctober 4, 2024 Political affiliation sways Rhode Islanders opinions on offshore wind far more than how close they live to the coastline, according to a new Rhode Island Current poll. The poll, conducted by MassINC Polling Group with funding from the Knight Election Hub, surveyed 800 likely voters from Sept. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Rare whale died of chronic entanglement in Maine fishing gear
By PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A rare whale found dead off Massachusetts earlier this year died as a result of entanglement in Maine lobster fishing gear, federal authorities said. The North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Martha’s Vineyard in January. The whales are declining in population and are at the center […]
Posted inBusiness
Salve Regina professor awarded NIH grant to research new treatments for common infection alongside undergraduate students
Salve Regina University today announced that Dr. Susan Meschwitz, a chemistry professor at the university, has been awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health to research treatments for urinary tract infections — which are experienced by 50-60% of women in their lifetime and highly recurrent. More from the announcement According to the National Institute […]
Posted inNews
Stormwater Innovation Expo will focus on ‘Partnerships for Statwide Climate Resilience’
The Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition (RIGIC) will host its sixth annual Stormwater Innovation Expo on October 16, 2024, at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence. The event, running from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, will focus on “Partnerships for Statewide Climate Resilience,” showcasing current trends and practices in stormwater management. The expo will […]
Posted inNews
Narragansett Electric to hold public hearing on transmission line project
The Energy Facility Siting Board will hold a public hearing on Oct. 23 to discuss Narragansett Electric Company’s plan to rebuild a 7.9-mile section of two main transmission lines that run through Portsmouth and Tiverton. The hearing will take place at 6 p.m. at Portsmouth Town Hall. The lines, L14 and M13, are 115 kilovolt […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island sustains low uninsured rate, says survey
Rhode Island’s uninsured rate remains one of the lowest in the nation, according to the latest Rhode Island Health Information Survey, conducted on behalf of HealthSource RI, the state’s health coverage marketplace. The survey found that only 2.2% of Rhode Islanders were uninsured, a decrease from 2.9% in 2022. The decrease is within the margin […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island Medical Society honors Senator Euer for legislative leadership
The Rhode Island Medical Society honored Sen. Dawn Euer with its Civic Leadership award at Thursday’s annual meeting at the Squantum Association in Riverside. The society honored Senator Euer for her ongoing advocacy for patients and medical professionals in Rhode Island, in particular her work to sponsor and successfully pass the Health Care Provider Shield […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, News
Cutting food waste would lower emissions, but so far only one state has done it
By MELINA WALLING Associated Press Kay Masterson has always wanted to make her Boston-area restaurant more sustainable, partnering with an organic farm to get some vegetables close by and offering reusable containers for customers’ takeout. When Massachusetts was weighing whether to block restaurants from dumping food waste into landfills, her restaurant started composting without waiting on a […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island aims to reduce senior falls with $600K federal grant
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) will use a $600,000 federal grant to expand fall-prevention programs for older adults, with a focus on older adults living in underserved areas. The funding comes from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and will be used for training, equipment, and workforce development for fall-prevention programs. Falls are […]
Posted inNews
Expert on meditation and near-death experiences to speak in Tiverton
The Tiverton Public Library will be hosting a free event on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, featuring a talk by Dr. Alan Post on the topic of “ Meditation and the Near Death Experience.” The event is free and open to the public and will take place at 6:30 pm in the library located at 34 […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, News
R.I. regulators resume review of SouthCoast Wind transmission lines
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 23, 2024 A proposal to run underwater power lines from a Massachusetts offshore wind farm through Rhode Island waters is back before state regulators, following a 14-month pause. The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board voted unanimously Monday to resume consideration of SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC’s application to run […]
Posted inNews
Tiverton Library to host seed-saving workshop
The Tiverton Public Library is hosting a free event that will teach people about the importance of seed saving and how to do it. The program, which is open to all ages, will be held on Saturday, October 5, at 2 pm, and will take place in the library’s Native Plant Demonstration Garden or in […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about health care and the presidential election
Before I start talking about the current presidential campaign, I thought I’d disclose my biases. I’m an independent with complicated political views: fiscally conservative, small government oriented, socially progressive but not woke. I don’t love our choice this year, which seems to me to be the choice between Julius Adolph PT Trump and Tweedle Dum and […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
R.I. Energy’s seasonal electric rate hikes will be partially offset by $27M refund
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 20, 2024 In the end, the much-maligned winter electric rate hikes won’t be as burdensome as initial calculations suggested, thanks to a nearly $27 million refund distributed to Rhode Island Energy customers. Still, the 500,000 state residents who opt to get their electricity from Rhode Island Energy — rather […]
Posted inNews
Senate Passes resolution to protect Nation’s Estuaries
A bipartisan resolution to protect and restore the nation’s estuaries, which are threatened by climate change, rising sea levels and pollution has passed the Senate. The resolution calls for the protection and restoration of the National Estuary Program, which was established in 1987 to protect and restore estuarine habitats threatened by pollution, overdevelopment, and other […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport hosting a pair of recycling days this fall
The City of Newport’s Clean City Program will host a pair of events at Easton’s Beach this fall to help Newport residents dispose of hazardous and harder-to-recycle items. First up will be an Eco-Depot hosted in concert with Rhode Island Resource Recovery on Saturday, Oct. 19th, from 8 a.m. until noon. The Eco-Depot is a free service for properly disposing […]
Posted inCity & Government
Will offshore wind really drive electric bills down?
by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Beacon WHEN SHE ANNOUNCED a massive procurement of offshore wind earlier this month, Gov. Maura Healey promised the purchase would create a stronger economy, bolster economic development, and, “importantly, lower electricity costs for our residents and our businesses.” The last part of that promise – about lowering electricity costs – seems […]
Posted inNews
Mosquito-borne illness cases rise in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Departments of Public Health and Environmental Management are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses as mosquito season continues in Southern New England. The agencies have confirmed five human cases of West Nile Virus and one case of Eastern equine encephalitis virus in Rhode Island so far this season. The mosquito […]
Posted inNews
Maher Center, URI Master Gardeners to offer free soil testing
The James L. Maher Center Garden Center will host a free soil testing event on Saturday, September 14, in collaboration with URI Master Gardeners, to provide residents with a free check of their soil health. Soil testing will take place from 10 am to 12 pm at the newly restored Founder’s Garden at the Maher […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Big wind farm project in doubt
by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth BeaconSeptember 9, 2024 VINEYARD OFFSHORE hinted on Monday that its proposed 1,200-megawatt offshore wind farm may not move forward unless Connecticut steps up to contract for the 400 megawatts not procured by Massachusetts. Gov. Maura Healey on Friday said Massachusetts would procure 800 megawatts of the proposed project, but no one […]
Posted inNews
RIDEM Op-Ed: Will Rhode Island meet the mandates in the Act on Climate?
As the chair of the Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4), the most frequently asked question I receive about our climate work is “will Rhode Island meet the mandates in the Act on Climate?”. Great question, right? Rhode Island greenhouse gas reduction mandates were set through the historic passage of the RI […]
Posted inCity & Government
R.I. wanted 1,200 megawatts of wind power. But it’s only buying a fraction of that.
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 6, 2024 Rhode Island’s second attempt to grow its offshore wind portfolio proved successful. Kind of. The tentative contract announced Friday between Rhode Island, Massachusetts and developers of the SouthCoast Wind project will bring another 200 megawatts of wind-generated electricity to the Ocean State, providing enough electricity to power […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island, Massachusetts announce largest offshore wind selection in New England history
Rhode Island and Massachusetts announced today the selection of 2,878 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind in the first coordinated procurement of its kind. As a part of the procurement, Massachusetts selected 2,678 MW in total from three projects, and Rhode Island selected 200 MW from one project. Through this procurement, offshore wind will power over […]
Posted inCity & Government
Councilor Carlin to reintroduce resolution calling for public meeting for opponents of offshore wind development
Newport City Councilor David R. Carlin III plans to introduce a resolution at the Sept. 11 council meeting calling for a public forum on offshore wind development that would give opponents a chance to voice their concerns. The move comes after the Newport Energy and Environment Commission held a series of panel discussions on climate […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island and Connecticut’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm completes installation of project’s first turbine
Rhode Island’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm marked a major milestone Tuesday with the successful installation of its first turbine. Revolution Wind, a joint project between Ørsted and Eversource, completed the installation about 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast. The wind farm, which will also serve Connecticut, is the nation’s first multi-state offshore […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
The biggest problem facing offshore wind energy isn’t broken blades. It’s public opinion.
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current September 4, 2024 Jim Boyd’s heart sank the first time he saw the now-infamous image of a fractured wind turbine blade dangling above the Atlantic Ocean. Not because of the fiberglass and styrofoam debris collected from the waters and shoreline along Nantucket in the month that followed. Not because […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island awarded $8.5 million for maternal, infant health
The Rhode Island Department of Health has announced that the state has been awarded $8.5 million to improve the health of babies and mothers. The funds are part of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, which was created to help families get the support they need from nurses, social workers, and other […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
What’s Up Interview: ‘Prescription for Pain’ author Philip Eil, appearing at Charter Books on September 10
The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to destroy American lives and families. Over the past 25 years, more Americans have died from opioid abuse (over 750,000) than American soldiers killed in combat since World War I. It’s no longer a dirty little secret – the epidemic has been chronicled in books, articles, and […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Sports
Runners are used to toughing it out. A warming climate can make that deadly
By MICHAEL PHILLIS Associated Press Carolyn Baker, clad in a neon pink top and matching sunglasses, smiled as she ran the Falmouth Road Race on the shore of Cape Cod, looking around for friends as she neared the end of a race she’d completed more than a dozen times before. Suddenly, Baker collapsed, as her […]
Posted inNews
Mosquito season brings mosquito-borne illnesses to Rhode Island
The Rhode Island mosquito season is in full swing and with it comes the potential for mosquito-borne illnesses like Eastern equine encephalitis and west Nile virus. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that the most recent mosquito samples tested by the Rhode Island State […]
Posted inNews
Governor McKee, RIDOH applauds Stop & Shop’s tobacco ban
Stop & Shop announced this week that it will no longer sell tobacco products in its stores in Rhode Island, a move that is being applauded by Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). The decision is being made in a bid to “limit access to addictive and harmful […]
Posted inNews
Newport City Council rejects resolution requiring an additional wind farm forum
The Newport City Council voted 5-1 to reject a resolution calling for an additional public forum on offshore wind farms during its meeting Wednesday. Councilor David Carlin III introduced the resolution, which requested the city’s Energy and Environment Commission host another meeting where wind farm opponents could voice their opinions. “We must allow both sides […]
Posted inNews
Blue-Green Algae Bloom closes Lower Melville Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth and Carr Pond in North Kingstown due to a suspected blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. The blue-green algae bloom was found in Lower Melville […]
Posted inNews
Department of Health recommends reopening of Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has issued a statement recommending the closing of one beach and the reopening of four other beaches. The beach recommended for closing in Rhode Island due to high bacteria counts is Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick. RIDOH recommends the re-opening Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Warren Town Beach, […]
Posted inOpinion
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about health care and free food
Last Saturday, I went to try to help some heroic colleagues, who practice in one of Rhode Island’s poorest places, and who had set up a walking program called “Walking with the Doc” and a Saturday immunization clinic so that thirty local kids who had just moved into town could get immunized and start school […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Federal government grants first floating offshore wind power research lease to Maine
By DAVID SHARP Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The federal government issued on Monday the nation’s first floating offshore wind research lease to the state of Maine, comprising about 23 square miles (60 square kilometers) in federal waters. The state requested the lease from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for a floating offshore wind […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Energy and Environment Commission hosts panel on ‘The Effects of Offshore Wind Development’
The Newport Energy and Environment Commission hosted a panel discussion on offshore wind development on Thursday as part of a summer educational series on climate change and resilience. During “Offshore Wind Development Off of Aquidneck Island & Newport County,” panelists from state agencies, labor unions and environmental groups discussed the future of offshore wind in […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health, News
Newport Mental Health relocates its Johnny Cake Hill Road office to Valley Road
Newport Mental Health is relocating its adult programs, walk-in appointments, and business staff to a newly renovated space at 42 Valley Road, effective Aug. 26. The move, which Newport Mental Health announced on its website, marks a significant expansion for the organization, driven by increased demand for services and new programs. The mental health provider […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island updates shellfish safety regulations
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced changes to the state’s shellfish aquaculture regulations aimed at improving safety. The new rules went into effect on Aug. 11. “The recent regulatory changes include an extension of the duration of the summer period of post-harvest shellfish temperature control,” the DEM said in a statement. “Under the […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island AG objects to health insurers’ proposed rate hikes
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is responding to proposed rate increases by health insurers, saying that history has shown that rate increases alone have not led to better access to and quality of care. “History has shown that significant rate increases year after year have not translated into improved access to and quality of […]
Posted inNews
Vineyard Wind says it is resuming construction
by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth BeaconAugust 13, 2024 Vineyard Wind said it has obtained federal approval to resume construction of the wind farm – work that was suspended following the partial collapse of a previously installed turbine blade on July 13. A press release issued at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning said the Bureau of Safety and […]
Posted inNews
Three beaches reopen in Rhode Island after bacteria levels drop
With bacteria counts dropping to safe levels, the Rhode Island Department of Health has recommended reopening the swimming area at Kent County YMCA in Warwick and Kingston’s Camp and Camp Hoffman in South Kingstown. The reopening went into effect on Tuesday, August 13. The health department will continue to monitor beach water quality through Labor […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ørsted Marine Affairs and The Better Bay Alliance to host a public presentation on the Revolution Wind Construction Project
On Thursday, August 22nd at 7 pm, The Better Bay Alliance will collaborate with Ørsted Marine Affairs to host a public presentation at The Wickford Senior Center in N. Kingstown, RI. According to organizers, this event aims to provide detailed insights into the Revolution Wind Construction project and its impact on the local community and […]
Posted inColumns
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about your doctor not coming to see you in the hospital anymore
I met a recently retired Massachusetts pediatrician at the eightieth birthday party of an honored physician-writer, colleague, and friend. The pediatrician, also a writer, and I talked for a few minutes about his practice and his retirement. He’d built a great practice, he told me, that did what great pediatrics practices always do – they saw kids when […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH and DEM recommend lifting advisories on some bodies of water; recommend avoiding contact with other bodies of water
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisories restricting recreational activities at Carbuncle Pond in Coventry and Mishnock Lake in West Greenwich. The advisories were related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Recent consecutive surveys and sample analysis confirmed […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Islanders can shape future of public health through Rhode Island Voices
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has launched a new campaign called Rhode Island Voices as part of an effort to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. The project aims to make Rhode Islanders feel heard by collecting their stories and opinions on key themes such as food access, affordable […]
Posted inNews
Perrigo recalls CVS brand infant formula over Vitamin D levels
Parents are being urged to check the lot codes of certain infant formulas sold under the CVS Health brand name after the recall of a number of products due to elevated levels of vitamin D. The products recalled were sold in Rhode Island and were also shipped to other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, […]
Posted inNews
Department of Health closes three Rhode Island beaches due to high bacteria
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended closing the swimming areas at Kent County YMCA in Warwick, Kingston’s Camp, and Camp Hoffman due to high bacteria counts. RIDOH continues to monitor beach water quality daily through Labor Day. For the most up-to-date information on beach conditions, travelers are urged to call RIDOH’s beaches […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Department of Health reminds Rhode Islanders about the health risks of open wounds and coastal waters
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding residents to be aware of the potential dangers of Vibrio bacteria if they have an open wound and enter salt water or brackish water, which is a mixture of salt water and fresh water. Open wounds include recent cuts and scrapes, recent surgery sites, and recent […]
Posted inNews
Lincoln Woods Park Beach Swimming Area closed
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended closing the swimming area at Lincoln Woods Park Beach due to high bacteria counts, according to a release. RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality at the beach and will update the status as it changes through Labor Day. For the most up-to-date information on […]
Posted inNews
Newport to host Climate Change and Offshore Wind Forum
Newport’s Energy & Environment Commission will host a forum on August 8, 2024 to discuss the effects of climate change and offshore wind on fisheries and ocean ecosystems. The event, titled “The Effect of Climate Change & Offshore Wind on Fisheries & Ocean Ecosystems,” will feature panelists from the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, the University […]
Posted inNews
New England to receive $389 million for offshore wind, energy storage
Several New England states will receive $389 million in federal funding for offshore wind and energy storage, a regional effort to bolster the clean energy sector and create jobs. The funding, announced Tuesday, is coming from the U.S. Department of Energy and will support upgrades to transmission lines in Massachusetts and Connecticut to accommodate 4,800 […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH and DEM recommend avoiding contact with Almy Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Almy Pond in Newport due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. The RIDOH State Health Laboratory has detected toxins and/or high […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH: Spouting Rock Beach Association and Camp Fuller YMCA beaches now safe for swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that they have recommended that the swimming area at Spouting Rock Beach Association and Camp Fuller YMCA has reopened for swimming. This comes after the bacteria counts at the beaches returned to safe levels, according to RIDOH. The RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality […]
Posted inNews
Pint For A Pint: Rhode Island Blood Center offers free beer for donors
What’s better than a free beer? A free beer and a blood donation. The Rhode Island Blood Center is hoping you’ll pick up a voucher for a free beer when you donate blood this summer. The blood center’s newest campaign, Pint for a Pint, runs August 1st to September 10th. Blood donors will receive a […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH recommends reopening Sandy Point Beach, several other beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening the swimming area at Oakland Beach, Conimicut Beach, and City Park Beach in Warwick; Warren Town Beach in Warren; Bristol Town Beach in Bristol; and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH will continue to monitor and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Street Project: Film screening and panel to address safer streets in Newport
A film screening and panel discussion aimed at promoting safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists is coming to Newport on Aug. 13. The event, organized by Ride Island, will feature “The Street Project,” a documentary examining unsafe street designs across the United States. The screening will take place at 6 p.m. at the JPT Film […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends closure of Camp Fuller YMCA and Spouting Rock Beach Association
Due to high bacteria counts, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommends closing the swimming area at Camp Fuller YMCA in South Kingstown and Spouting Rock Beach Association in Newport. Health officials advise reopening Kingston’s Camp in South Kingstown, which had been closed due to bacteria counts as well, as conditions have improved. The bacteria […]
Posted inCity & Government
Offshore wind farms connected by an underwater power grid for transmission could revolutionize how the East Coast gets its electricity
Tyler Hansen, Dartmouth College; Abraham Silverman, Johns Hopkins University; Elizabeth J. Wilson, Dartmouth College, and Erin Baker, UMass Amherst Strong offshore winds have the potential to supply coastlines with massive, consistent flows of clean electricity. One study estimates offshore wind farms could meet 11 times the projected global electricity demand in 2040. The U.S. East […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Recall of Boar’s Head Deli Meats expanded
Approximately 7 million pounds of deli meat and poultry products sold nationwide by Boar’s Head are now being recalled, according to a press release issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today. The products are included in the recall issued July 26, 2024, and include meat intended for slicing at retail delis and […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends closing swimming areas in Warwick, Bristol, Warren, and Portsmouth
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming areas at City Park, Oakland Beach, and Conimicut Beach in Warwick; Bristol Town Beach; Warren Town Beach; and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth. These closures are due to high bacteria counts. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health, News
Company says manufacturing problem was behind wind turbine blade breaking off Nantucket Island
NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — The maker of a massive wind turbine blade that broke apart off Nantucket Island and washed up on the beaches says a manufacturing problem was responsible. GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said on an earnings call Wednesday that insufficient bonding at one of its factories in Canada was responsible for the […]
Posted inNews
Produce Recall in Rhode Island: Wiers Farm pulls products
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Wiers Farm is recalling produce products packed between July 5th and July 12th because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. These products were sold at Save-A-Lot in Rhode Island and at Walmarts in Connecticut. These products were sold in many other states, […]
Posted inNews
Aquapalooza prompts precautionary closure of shellfish area
With more than 1,000 boats expected to gather off Prudence Island this weekend, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is taking a precautionary measure to protect the area’s shellfish habitat. A 700-acre area of shellfish grounds will be closed from sunrise on July 27 until sunrise on August 3. This includes the area […]
Posted inCity & Government
Should Mass. go big or small with upcoming offshore wind procurement?
by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth BeaconJuly 22, 2024 THE BIG QUESTION heading into next month’s offshore wind procurement is whether Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island should go big or go small. Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office early on in the procurement process urged going small. Her argument was that prices for offshore wind electricity are likely […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy is that Covid is back
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But like Freddy Kreuger, Covid is back for a midsummer surge. It’s worse out west and in England, but what happens there will spread here before long. So here we go again. You know the drill. Just a cold for most people and almost no risk for […]
Posted inNews
Toxic Algae Bloom shuts down Little Beach at Slack Reservoir
A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in Little Beach at Slack Reservoir in Smithfield, the Rhode Island Department of Health warned residents on Thursday. Swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking should be avoided for the time being, health officials said. Boiling lake water would not make it safe to drink or use for cooking, […]
Posted inNews
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about primary care in Rhode Island?
First some good news! The Rhode Island General Assembly passed two bills and created one study commission that helps us start getting better access to primary care in Rhode Island. Bill 2024-S 2716A establishes a primary care training sites program, which has been funded with $2.7 million in the 2025 state budget bill. Bill 2024-S2717A added […]
Posted inNews
Free ‘Skin Check’ screenings to be available at Rhode Island Beaches
Between Friday, July 12 and August 17, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on five dates. “Along with seeking shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a […]
Posted inNews
Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Mishnock Lake: Health officials warn of contact
A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in Mishnock Lake in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, officials said Thursday. The state Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management advised people to avoid all contact with the lake. The blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomachache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, and fever. In pets, the […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island overdose deaths decreased 7.3% in 2023
Governor Dan McKee and the leadership of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force announced today a 7.3% decrease in overdose deaths in Rhode Island in 2023, the first decrease seen in the state in four years. In 2023, 404 people lost their lives to accidental overdoses in Rhode Island, compared to 436 people who lost their […]
Posted inNews
Totally Cool, Inc. has recalled multiple brands of ice cream products due to potential Listeria contamination
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that Totally Cool, Inc. has recalled multiple brands of ice cream products due to potential Listeria contamination. “The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Totally Cool, Inc., is recalling multiple brands of ice cream products because they have the potential to be […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about hospitals in Rhode Island this week
Lots of hospital-related news in Rhode Island this week. The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Attorney General approved the sale of Our Lady of Fatima and Roger Williams aka Charter Care, to something called The Centurion Foundation, a Georgia based non-profit, which I don’t know anything about. The seller is Prospect Medical Holdings, but with […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mosquito samples collected in Tiverton and Coventry test positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are announcing that the first set of mosquito samples of the 2024 season tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) have confirmed the first two detections of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in the state in 2024. The mosquito samples testing positive […]
Posted inNews
Olympian Elizabeth Beisel partners with Rhode Island Blood Center for Summer Blood Drive
The Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is encouraging people to donate blood this summer, and they’re offering a limited edition t-shirt to those who get in first. In honor of the July 4th holiday, RIBC and 3x Olympian Elizabeth Beisel are hoping to raise awareness about the need for blood donations. The summer holiday season […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Department of Health reminds Rhode Islanders about heat precautions
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding all Rhode Islanders about safety tips to keep themselves healthy and safe during extreme heat. “Extreme heat can be a serious issue,” said Governor Dan McKee. “With the temperatures we are expecting, people should be checking on each other, staying well hydrated, limiting their exposure to the heat, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
RIDOH: Tips for a healthy Memorial Day weekend and for being healthy outdoors
Ahead of Memorial Day, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding people about the important steps they should take to stay healthy and safe this weekend and this summer. Travel responsibly Never drink and drive. Additionally, never drive after using other substances that impair your ability to drive safely. Substances that impair your […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Illness took away her voice. AI created a replica she carries in her phone
By MATT O’BRIEN AP Technology Writer PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The voice Alexis “Lexi” Bogan had before last summer was exuberant. She loved to belt out Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan ballads in the car. She laughed all the time — even while corralling misbehaving preschoolers or debating politics with friends over a backyard fire […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Governor McKee nominates Dr. Jerome Larkin to lead the Rhode Island Department of Health
Governor Dan McKee today announced his nomination of Dr. Jerome M. Larkin as the next director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). “Dr. Larkin is a proven leader in the medical field and his experience will be a vital asset to our team and to the people of Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee […]
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Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about health care and private equity
There is lots of talk about health care and private equity lately, and the truth is worse than anyone knows. Too many greedy and unscrupulous people use the equity markets to make ungodly profits for themselves by using a legal process to extract wealth from governments, communities, and even from insurance companies, usually by buying […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
ALS drug will be pulled from US market after study showed patients didn’t benefit
By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The maker of a drug for Lou Gehrig’s disease that recently failed in a large study said Thursday it will pull the medicine from the market, acknowledging it didn’t help patients with the deadly neurological condition. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals announced it will voluntarily halt sales and marketing of the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Senate passes bill to protect patients’ pharmacy options
The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Linda Ujifusa that protects patients from an insurance scheme called “white bagging” that interferes with how prescribed drugs are delivered and administered. White bagging refers to a practice where insurers require patients to get their prescriptions from insurer-affiliated pharmacies that are often mail order-only. The bill […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island to provide fresh, locally-grown food to seniors through upgraded food assistance program
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced on Thursday that upgraded fresh and healthy food options are on the way to Rhode Island seniors. DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment has upgraded its Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to provide an estimated 10,000 eligible seniors with fresh, RI Grown fruit and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Senate introduces 25 new bills to improve healthcare access and affordability
The Rhode Island Senate has introduced 25 new bills aimed at improving health care access and affordability in the state. The new laws are intended to address the challenges facing the state’s health care system by focusing on four key pillars: consumer protection, provider availability and care quality, cost containment, and health system financial stability. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
The CDC has relaxed COVID guidelines. Will schools and day cares follow suit?
By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS and MORIAH BALINGIT AP Education Writers Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and upended child care, the CDC says parents can start treating the virus like other respiratory illnesses. Gone are mandated isolation periods and masking. But will schools and child care centers agree? In case you’ve lost track: Before […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, News
CVS and Walgreens plan to start dispensing abortion pill mifepristone soon
By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer The drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens plan to start dispensing an abortion pill in a few states within weeks. CVS Health will start filling prescriptions for mifepristone in Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts “in the weeks ahead,” spokeswoman Amy Thibault said Friday. Walgreens will begin dispensing the medication within a […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Middletown Prevention Coalition hosting Middletown Wellness Month in March
The Middletown Prevention Coalition is hosting Middletown Wellness Month throughout March. This month is dedicated to getting people motivated to take steps to improve their overall health and well-being. The coalition is hosting a variety of activities and events to help individuals, families, and the community reach their health goals. Some of the highlights of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Tiverton Library offers free meditation workshop
The Tiverton Public Library is hosting a free workshop on meditation for inner and outer peace in a chaotic world. The event is free and open to all ages on Wednesday, March 13, at 6:30 pm. The workshop is led by Dr. Alan Post, a chiropractor, author, and meditation teacher. The event is one of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Bradley Hospital and Cartwheel partner to provide virtual mental health services to students across New England
A new collaboration between Cartwheel and Bradley Hospital will make mental health care services more accessible to students in 50+ school districts across New England, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The virtual Bradley REACH program can provide individual, group, and family therapy, along with tutoring and support groups, for students struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, […]
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Seniors in these Rhode Island counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates
An estimated 22,000 people in Rhode Island over age 65 have Alzheimer’s, according to estimates released by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2023. Alzheimer’s disease afflicts an estimated 6.7 million Americans, and that number is only growing. Medical professionals believe the volume of diagnoses could double by 2060 if there isn’t a breakthrough in prevention—or a […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Mental Health receives $25,000 from CVS Health Foundation to support mental health care
The CVS Health Foundation has awarded Newport Mental Health $25,000 as part of a $2 million grant initiative for 2023. The grant funding is part of CVS Health’s mission to improve health outcomes and create a healthier, more equitable future. The CVS Health Foundation specifically chose to focus its grants this year on organizations increasing […]
Posted inBusiness
CVS Health lays out changes to clarify prescription drug pricing that may save some customers money
CVS Health is introducing changes to how its prescription drug pricing model works, and that could lead to some savings for customers starting next year. The health care giant said Tuesday that it will roll out a new reimbursement model designed to make costs more predictable at the drugstore counter. The company will start offering […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Rock The Mansion raises more than $220,000 for Newport Mental Health
With stunning Newport views as a backdrop, generous supporters opened their hearts and contributed more than $220,000 in donations during Newport Mental Health’s ninth annual “Rock the Mansion” Gala. Held at Eisenhower House on October 5th, guests were greeted by NMH Board Members Joyce A. Kirby (Board Chair) and Madeline Turano (Development Committee Chair and […]